The Fatten'em Plan: A Trip Report w/ pics

[Wazzo]

No!!!! I don't want it to end!



This is such a great TR!! Keep it going for as long as you can!

 

[TiggerAllie]

Go Cass Go!
Can't wait for more!
So sad it will end

PS: I am so impressed with your posting work today!

 

[pooksma]

Take your time Cass-no hurry for this TR to end.

 

[Ellester]

Luggage in hand we exit the airport and make our goodbyes. It is 10:30pm now and Noel asks if she has to go to school the next day.

'Yes you do' I say

'Do I?' Megan asks and Louise tells her 'no, she can stay home one more day and recover from the trip & excitement'

Way to make me look like the meanest mother in the world , Louise.

..

I had to laugh at that as it happens to me all the time! My mom, my in-laws, my sister, whoever, they always seem to propose something that I can't/won't deliver and the kids are crushed. I have so enjoyed your report! Despite some bumps, it seems like a trip of a lifetime! Looking forward to the wrap up.

 

[disneytraveler]

Oh so now i now why you looked glumly about the tea. You certainly gave it to the taxi driver, Cass. I am glad you brought both pieces home of the gift.
I too dont wont your trip to end.

 

[luvfigment]

I am glad you guys had such a good time and am glad you shared it with us. Now I do have to admit I got very jealous and wish I could have the same trip!

As I have stated before you have me thinking about doing some extras for my Dinseymoon...not sure the Platinum Plan is in the budget but maybe Concierge and some of the extras...

 

[tinawv]

Cass, I happy that your trip home was a pleasant one. I am so sad to see your trip end, as I looked forward to reading your posts each day. It will be hard to wait another whole year .

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

[punkin1763]

Wow! I've been off the boards the last few days and I've just spent the last hour and 1/2 reading all your posts and trip reports! All I can say is thank you thank you! It was so much fun reading your stories and it sounds like you had a wonderful time of making memories and making dreams come true! I would love to take a trip like that sometime. The VIP day sounded great!

Thanks again for sharing! I'm glad I don't have to work tomorrow - since it's almost 1 a.m. - now I can dream of my next disney trip and not have to set the alarm clock!!

 

[SuAnne]

LOL...love the Noel moping face!

Yes we must have just missed you at the airport. I noticed your luggage was to come off on the same belt. Our flight arrived early too so we were most likely just ahead of you. I'm surprised you didn't see us at customs...my sister got hauled over to secondary becasue she has a US working permit attached to her passport, so since I was travelling with her I had the pleasure of getting the third degree as well Oh well with being sick I only spent a whopping $50.00

 

[kpk89]

What a great report, Cass. And speedy, too.

Here, this is for you.

Have one of these as well. (they're on the plan).

Cheers!

 

[Jennifer48]

Wow Cass, what a great trip you had. Well, with the exception of being called "Sir," and missing out on tea at the GF!

Thanks for sharing your Platinum Plan and informing us of how CM have no clue about snacks!

You made me laugh and made me think of how magical Disney is AND how sometime I'll have to get down there on my birthday

Your gifts are beautiful. Thanks again for sharing!

Jennifer

 

[disneytraveler]

I used the Platinum plan to so i know what she is referring to about the snacks. I am glad Cass you were able to bring both parts of the keepsake home.
If you remember in my report i had no roon for the vase.

 

[disneyangel]

I usually only read the DLRP board. Living in the UK that's my nearest 'Disney' but having seen you posting over there , (preparing for the next trip already ??) I thought I'd pop over and read your report. I've been at it for hours and it is just fantastic. I don't know what you do in 'real-life' as an occupation but you should be a writer . Thanks so much for sharing

 

[CW4DW]

Cass,
I have really enjoyed reading you TR. I hate that it is ending but glad y'all had such a wonderful time. I will be there in 18 days and can't wait. It will be only my second time to go to DW and I am so excited. Can't wait till your next trip ~ I hate that it is a whole year away.

Great TR ~ I will have to work on one for our next trip. I am new to this!

 

[Cass]

Some final thoughts.

First, thanks to those who read and posted along with me ~ obviously knowing someone is actually out there following along is encouragement to continue writing So thanks for all the positive posts and I'm glad you enjoyed our 6 nights at Disney

We used to always travel in August to Disney, the heat is brutal and there is rain everyday but we always managed to have a great time. After travelling in December 2004, (with SuAnne) I was sold on non-summer trips, it is much much more pleasant to travel when it is cooler. I can't see myself ever going to WDW in the summer again.

Anyone who has not travelled when the holiday decorations are up and the extra events are running (like MVMPC, & the candlelight processional) should give it a try sometime. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, it's just a little more magical with the extra festive touches.


Animal Kingdom Lodge

AKL remains my favourite resort. It is as beautiful and well kept today as the first time I stayed there when it was newly opened. The lobby and other public areas, overlooks, halls, lounges, pool areas, restaurants are all still lovely and the resort vegetation is very lush & tropical. If you haven't tried it or are concerned with transportation to the parks, really you have nothing to worry about and everything to gain by checking it out.


The Platinum Plan.

Obviously something created for people with more dollars than sense. The only true way to recoup the additional cost is to eat eat eat at the top restaurants 3 times a day and golf, rent watercraft, horseback ride, take some tours, spa treatments, fireworks cruise, dinner shows etc - you need to do as much as you can - and of course all this eating and playing subtracts from your time at the parks - which is why most people come to Disney in the first place.

You have need to stop and think carefully about this trade off and what is really important to you for your trip.

I am glad I tried the PP, I wanted to see what it was like and I don't regret doing it at all.


Concierge & the PP

You torture yourself by booking both concierge and platinum at the same time. It is just so convenient to eat at the lounge (and good!) so you have to force yourself to go to the restaurants instead. This could be different for different resorts but I have done WL Concierge and BC Concierge and there food offerings were excellent as well.

So I learned a lesson, if I stay concierge - I'll skip the meal plan altogether and pay OOP. If I go with a plan again, then just stay at the hotel of choice in a regular room without concierge.


Itinerary planning.

I hear many people say they like to make their own arrangements. I have been there and done that myself. I have to say though, I really feel I recieved better tables with little to no waiting if I have concierge make my arrangements. The IPO CMs are great and I love the pre arrival planning service - it's like starting your holiday months before you actually get there.


Taking Cabs

The cost of your trip is a big investment and time is precious while you are there, so I don't like to waste my time. If you are not in a hurry then certainly take the Disney transportation, but for specific ADRs - consider a cab. The most expensive one we had was 20 with tip to get all 4 of us where we were going in 15 minutes instead of 90 minutes++.

That's an extra hour++ of fun at the parks, shopping or relaxing at the hotel. I always budget money for cabs and it is well worth it IMO. (Even when they call you sir )


Tours

Noel and I loved the Dolphin in Depth tour and there are some others I would have tried if I had more time. Louise and Megan enjoyed Mickey's Magical Milestone tour as well. So check out a tour or two if you have the opportunity.


VIP Tour

A real splurge, a big financial investment, something totally frivilous and unnecessary, but hands down the best day I have ever had at Disney. In the long run, that counts for something.

Thanks again for reading along and I hope to read a TR from every single one of you in the near future

 

[Cass]

I usually only read the DLRP board. Living in the UK that's my nearest 'Disney'

Hi disneyangel, thanks for migrating over to the WDW TR Board

You know DLRP has VIP Services, I checked it out the other day

 

[KangaFan]

Just finished reading your report--wow! What fun! I can't wait until DD4 is old enough for the dolphin experience. Its right up her alley. Don't feel too mean, our kids will be going to school the day after we get back too! Thanks for sharing your magical week!

 

[disneytraveler]

Hi Cass,
You are right in that PP you have to do alot. I was glad i did my epcot tour,
the fireworks cruise, and wishes vip seating. The best part was V&A . And the wonderful IPO staff at the Akl who did all my planning. I even talked with them and plenty of emails. Made me feel wonderful. You do have to try to do some of the stuff but iam not a water person .I did want to do horseback riding or the carrige rides but did not have time.
I do Disney differently each time i go.
I found out that December is a more pleasant time now to go.
The PP gave me alot to do-tours, Fantasmic, cruise, and wishes,spa treatment, eat and eat. Though still had 5 meals left hmmm
You never know i might do it again or do the Vip but its Italy this summer

Hope your next trip is just as magical!

 

[Cass]

Yep, you sure had a good trip and did a lot of things we are blessed, arent' we?

Looking forward to hearing about Italy with ABD, that will be cool!

 

[disneytraveler]

Yep, you sure had a good trip and did a lot of things we are blessed, arent' we?

Looking forward to hearing about Italy with ABD, that will be cool!

We are blessed.
I am looking forward to the trip to.